Foundations of a Working Photographer with Zack Arias

Day 3
  • 25 video lessons
  • 17 hours and 31 minutes of class content
  • Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
Want to be a good photographer? Want to do it for a living? Want to rise above the bottom? Then join Zack Arias for this creativeLIVE course. Zack's first workshop was all about studio lighting. This time around, he's covering what you need to know to be a professional working photographer. Many people requested a class about business. Many requested natural light. Plenty wanted strobe + ambient. Everyone wanted more “client interaction” and posing guidelines. Zack's digging deep and covering as much as he can.

Course Instructor

Zack Arias

Zack Arias

My name, if it isn’t obvious already, is Zack Arias and I am an editorial music photographer based in Atlanta, GA. While I’ve been working in the music industry for the past seven years I’m now branching into more editorial work and advertising.

Foundations of a Working Photographer with Zack Arias is rated 4.9 stars by 73 students

  • renee A. May 25, 2020

    Zack delivers a different type of course. Instead of the usual model/pose/move classes which you will find in abundance on CL, Zack is one of the few instructors who digs in and points you in the right direction. Listen to what he is talking about and you will see why this class is a CL favorite. To those who criticize his adorable wife, calm down. She's a refreshing addition. She offered some constructive vision. Hmmm, she hangs out with some really great photographers and artists, so I think she knows something, like a lot of something to listen to. Open your mind and let the information flow in!

  • Dean P. Mar 19, 2020

    I’ve followed Zacks work for awhile now so I had high hopes for this class and it didn’t disappoint. Focused topics, real world examples and excellent Q&A made this an outstanding course.

  • jesse K. Nov 20, 2019

    I am an experienced photographer already but this is one of the best courses on CL for those who want solid photography foundations. Zack taught me things I never knew on a technical level (reciprocals, look at R [red] channel histrograms for portraits because it is more imoirtant than the composite histogram for skin, etc, etc).

  • Nick S. Oct 4, 2019

    a fantastic course about photography in the real world. not only does it provide a technical foundation but also a mental one too. it covers everything from how to get the shot to how and where to start building your business. love this guy.

  • Eric G. Dec 23, 2018

    I love this course. Even though, by now, it's a few years old, the principles that Zack covers are timeless. I'm a full-time professional business event photographer and headshot photographer ... and I learned a lot in this course. I highly recommend this course.

  • Jon R. Aug 24, 2018

    Zack Arias is an open book. Some commented on his "non-photographer wife" coming on and it being unprofessional. This just goes to show you how much he is in this for the real people, those who fight family issues and live a real life. The life of a working, busy photographer involves all this. Bravo to him for being such an open book. Any photographer passionate about running a business needs to see this, no matter what level they are at in their career.

  • Elise R. Jul 28, 2018

    The first of the classes I've bought that I wanted to watch straight through. Mr. Arias is a compelling speaker and thus a great teacher. His direct, plain talk and humor are most appreciated by this consumer. For those beyond beginner but not highly experienced, this is for you. Thanks Creative Live for

  • Susan R. Oct 4, 2017

    Thank you Zack for such a great class! Fantastic information and you explain everything so well!!! :)

  • Toni . Jan 14, 2017

    I clicked onto the re-run of this class, hoping to fill in a bit of time - next minute I'm explaining to my husband why I've HAD to buy this class (permission vs forgiveness, right?). I'm self-taught and his explanations of the structure to photography and recipricol tables are like lightning bolts crashing in my living room. Yes Yes Yes.

  • Ivan B. Dec 10, 2016

    Outstanding! There are so many gems, any photographer aspiring to venture into business will gain much from this course. There are plenty of technical how-to's with superb examples, from choosing the right lens for a given situation, to learning about reciprocals, expressed in Zack's warm and fun style. He's a joy to watch. But, this class is much more than that. Zack is extremely generous in sharing very personal experiences and insight, on how he began from early days of struggling, to current projects, how he built his portfolio, and looking ahead to the future. And, in the final discussion with his wife Meghan, they open up and share their personal struggles balancing work and family life, and their strong support of each other. We can all relate to this. This class is a great guide on what it takes to start and become a successful pro photographer, and pulls no punches. It's not easy to do, but with some creativity and an insane amount of hard work, is doable and very rewarding!

  • Aldi W. Nov 24, 2016

    Excellent Class !! I really need more courses from you

  • Joao M. Mar 15, 2016

    Thanks to Zack and all in CL for this course. Ive watched it nonstop in all my free time during this weekend. Best technical info I ever got on photography and some great inspiration to go out and shoot. Such a joy to watch this!!

  • U. Sep 19, 2014

    I haven't finished the course yet either but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I love Zacks work I think he is an amazing teacher and a very funny man. I loved one light and I'm looking forward to finishing this and starting the his studio lighting course also.

  • M. Apr 25, 2014

    Haven't finished this course yet but it's already worth the price. Zack is an awesome teacher. He is very real, funny and passionate about his craft. I feel completely buzzed about taking my photography to the next level with his help.

  • Joshajin . Aug 10, 2013

    Zack just has the ability to have such a strong and comparable relationship to almost anyone because he can relate to what we've gone through and what we might be thinking. He put things in great perspective and becomes a guide for us to lead us in to a better place in our business. Tell me how many photographers, let alone people, that you've met that has really touched upon your heart and really got to you because they can relate to your problems, it's hard to find those kind of people. He's a great instructor and I highly recommend buying this course.

  • PAUL S. Jul 1, 2013

    Zac has the ability to put the technical aspects of photography into laymen's terms! His methods are very clear and comprehendible to one just getting into photography, as well as not boring or redundant to those already with an understanding of the basics of photography. I strongly suggest this course to those entering into photography, and to those who are seasoned veterans of the craft. You will be glad you purchased this course!

  • Kevin Y. Oct 28, 2012

    Another great teaching by Zack.

  • L. Oct 2, 2012

    Hands down the best CL course ever made. One light for life.

  • V. Dec 21, 2011

    very good workshop especially for beginners, I enjoyed watching it, its like being there yourself.

  • X. Dec 4, 2011

    I'm only half-way through this and I've learnt more about photography so far than I have in the past 4 years. Just excellent.

  • T. Oct 20, 2011

    Essential. Period. I totally recommend this to anyone photographer or aspiring photographer out there. Amazing photographer and teacher Zack is. I wish I could have been there in person.

  • J. Oct 17, 2011

    Put the head in a clean spot with ring for me every time I pick up my camera. Zack is not only a talented photographer, his wit and view of the world also serve him well by putting people at ease. Fantastic workshop.

  • Q. Oct 17, 2011

    Zack's always been one of my favorite photographers and when I think about why he is, it isn't even his work that comes to mind. Zack's technical knowledge and ability to pull off really stunning images is reason enough to check out this course. While he does a good job at teaching the fundamentals, he even better job at explaining why he makes the choices he does. Anyone can tell you what "rules" to follow and what you should and shouldn't do but Zack does a good job explaining why those guidelines are JUST guidelines and shouldn't be taken as law, which can be limiting. I highly recommended this for anyone who has an interest in becoming a better photographer.

  • Y. Jun 22, 2011

    For me the best course for any photographer. If you may think on going pro, It`s essential.

  • S. May 6, 2011

    Once again Zack delivers an insightful and informative course. Zacks pragmatic approach to running a photography business squashes the mindset that is generally picked up when you enter the business, and you quickly realise that this is all about feeding your kids and paying your rent. As well as the mentoring aspects of the course, Zack teaches the fundamentals of photography in such a way that it's easy to pick and then go out and practise. This was the same style that I valued in his previous Creative Live course. I thoroughly recommend buying this course, it will serve you better than most one on one workshops. Gareth Robins http://www.shotbyrobins.com

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